Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that stabilize the ankle are stretched or torn beyond their normal limits.

Some sprains are relatively mild. Others can involve significant ligament damage, swelling, instability, or associated injuries that require more extensive treatment.

Common symptoms include:

• Ankle pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight
• Pain when turning or rotating the ankle
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• A feeling that the ankle is weak or unstable
• Repeatedly "rolling" the same ankle
• Persistent pain after an old ankle sprain

A significant ankle injury isn't always "just a sprain." Fractures, tendon injuries, cartilage injuries, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

That's why a proper evaluation matters.

Ankle sprains are commonly classified by severity.

The ligament has been stretched or has sustained minor damage. You may experience tenderness and mild swelling but are often still able to walk.

There is a partial ligament tear. Swelling, bruising, pain, and difficulty walking may be more noticeable, and the ankle may feel less stable.

The ligament may be completely torn, resulting in significant swelling, bruising, instability, and difficulty bearing weight.

The amount of pain you experience does not always tell us exactly how much damage occurred. A clinical examination — and imaging when appropriate — can help determine the extent of the injury.

One of the biggest mistakes people make after an ankle sprain is assuming that once the swelling improves, the ankle has completely healed.

Pain may improve before the ligament has regained adequate strength and stability.

Returning to activity too quickly can contribute to:

• Recurrent ankle sprains
• Chronic ankle instability
• Persistent swelling
• Ongoing ankle pain
• Weakness
• Reduced balance and coordination
• Tendon irritation or injury
• Difficulty returning to sports or exercise

If you've sprained the same ankle multiple times, it may be a sign that the ankle never fully regained its stability after the original injury.

Our goal is not simply to get you through the first few painful days.

We want to help you recover properly.

At Hillside Foot & Ankle, treatment is tailored to the severity and stage of your injury.

Your evaluation may include assessment of:

• Ligament stability
• Location of pain and swelling
• Ability to bear weight
• Ankle and foot alignment
• Range of motion
• Tendon involvement
• Strength and function
• Previous ankle injuries
• Activity and athletic demands

When clinically appropriate, imaging may be recommended to rule out a fracture or evaluate other possible injuries.

From there, Dr. Alfandari can develop a treatment plan designed around protection, recovery, stability, and return to activity.

Depending on your injury, treatment may include:

A supportive ankle brace or walking boot may be recommended to protect injured ligaments and allow the ankle to heal.

Temporarily modifying high-impact activities can help prevent repeated stress on the healing ankle.

As healing progresses, exercises may be used to improve ankle mobility, strength, balance, and proprioception — your body's ability to recognize and control the position of the ankle.

For certain injuries, physical therapy can play an important role in restoring strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence when returning to normal activities or sports.

Foot mechanics can influence how forces travel through the foot and ankle. For appropriate patients, custom orthotics may be recommended to improve support and address underlying biomechanical factors.

Some ankle injuries continue to hurt even after the initial swelling and bruising have improved. For appropriate patients, Hillside Foot & Ankle offers additional non-surgical treatment technologies that may be incorporated into a comprehensive recovery plan.

Shockwave therapy uses targeted acoustic energy and may be considered for certain chronic musculoskeletal and soft-tissue conditions around the foot and ankle. Rather than treating every ankle sprain the same way, Dr. Alfandari determines whether shockwave therapy is appropriate based on the specific injured tissue and stage of recovery. It may be considered as part of a treatment plan when pain has become persistent or when recovery has plateaued.

Hillside Foot & Ankle also offers  Class IV laser therapy as a non-invasive treatment option that may be incorporated into the recovery plan for appropriate foot and ankle conditions. Class IV laser therapy delivers therapeutic light energy to targeted tissues and may be used to support the body's healing response, circulation, and management of pain and inflammation. Class IV Laser therapy is comfortable, non-invasive, and requires no injections or incisions.

Not every ankle sprain needs advanced treatment.

Our philosophy is to use the right treatment at the right stage of recovery — rather than adding unnecessary procedures.